Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology

The outspoken actress, talk show host, and reality television star offers up a no-holds-barred memoir, including an eye-opening insider account of her tumultuous and heart-wrenching 30-year-plus association with the Church of Scientology.

Always seeking to be an obedient Priesthood girl, in her teens Rebecca Musser became the nineteenth wife of her people's prophet: 85-year-old Rulon Jeffs. Finally sickened by the abuse she suffered and saw around her, she pulled off a daring escape and sought to build a new life and family.

Escape

When she was 18 years old, Carolyn Jessop was coerced into an arranged marriage with a total stranger - a man 32 years her senior. Merril Jessop already had three wives. But arranged plural marriages were an integral part of Carolyn's heritage: She was born into and raised in the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), the radical offshoot of the Mormon Church.

Ruthless: Scientology, My Son David Miscavige, and Me

The only book to examine the origins of Scientology's current leader, Ruthless tells the revealing story of David Miscavige's childhood and his path to the head seat of the Church of Scientology, told through the eyes of his father. Ron Miscavige's personal, heartfelt story is a riveting insider's look at life within the world of Scientology.

Church of Lies

"My name is Flora Jessop. I've been called apostate, vigilante, and crazy bitch, and maybe I am. But some people call me a hero, and I'd like to think they're right too. If I am a hero, maybe it's because every time I can play a part in saving a child or a woman from a life of servitude and degradation, I'm saving a little piece of me, too. was one of twenty-eight children born to my dad and his three wives."

Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief

A clear-sighted revelation, a deep penetration into the world of Scientology by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the The Looming Tower, the now-classic study of al-Qaeda’s 9/11 attack. Based on more than 200 personal interviews with both current and former Scientologists - both famous and less well known - and years of archival research, Lawrence Wright uses his extraordinary investigative ability to uncover for us the inner workings of the Church of Scientology.

Stolen Innocence: My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Breaking Free of Warren Jeffs

In September 2007, Elissa Wall, the star witness against polygamous sect leader Warren Jeffs, gave captivating testimony of how Jeffs forced her to marry her first cousin at age 14. This harrowing account proved to be the most compelling evidence against Jeffs, showing the harsh realities of this closed community and the lengths to which Jeffs went in order to control the sect's women. Now, in this courageous memoir, Wall tells the incredible story of how she emerged from the confines of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints and helped bring one of America's most notorious criminals to justice.

Prophet's Prey: My Seven-Year Investigation into Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints

Despite considerable press coverage and a lengthy trial, the full story of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints has remained largely untold. Only one man can reveal the whole, astounding truth: Sam Brower, the private investigator who devoted years of his life to breaking open the secret practices of the FLDS and bringing Warren Jeffs and his inner circle to justice.

The Church of Fear: Inside the Weird World of Scientology

Tom Cruise and John Travolta say the Church of Scientology is a force for good. Others disagree. Award-winning journalist John Sweeney investigated the Church for more than half a decade. During that time he was intimidated, spied on, and followed, and the results were spectacular: Sweeney lost his temper with the Church's spokesman on camera, and his infamous 'exploding tomato' clip was seen by millions around the world.

Banished: Surviving My Years in the Westboro Baptist Church

You've likely heard of the Westboro Baptist Church. Perhaps you've seen their pickets on the news, the members holding signs with messages that are too offensive to copy here, protesting at events such as the funerals of soldiers, the 9-year old victim of the recent Tucson shooting, and Elizabeth Edwards, all in front of their grieving families. Since no organized religion will claim affiliation with the WBC, it's perhaps more accurate to think of them as a cult. Lauren Drain was thrust into that cult at the age of 15, and then spat back out again seven years later.

Lost Boy

In the polygamous Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS), girls can become valuable property as plural wives, but boys are expendable, even a liability. In this powerful and heartbreaking account, former FLDS member Brent Jeffs reveals both the terror and the love he experienced growing up on his prophet's compound and the harsh exile existence that so many boys face once they have been expelled by the sect.

My Story

On June 5, 2002, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart, the daughter of a close-knit Mormon family, was taken from her home in the middle of the night by religious fanatic, Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee. She was kept chained, dressed in disguise, repeatedly raped, and told she and her family would be killed if she tried to escape. After her rescue on March 12, 2003, she rejoined her family and worked to pick up the pieces of her life.

The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology Tried to Destroy Paulette Cooper

In 1971 Paulette Cooper wrote a scathing book about the Church of Scientology. Desperate to shut the book down, Scientology unleashed on her one of the most sinister personal campaigns the free world has ever known. The onslaught, which lasted years, ruined her life and drove her to the brink of suicide. The story of Paulette's terrifying ordeal is told in full for the first time in The Unbreakable Miss Lovely.

Inside Scientology: The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion

Scientology, created in 1954 by a prolific sci-fi writer named L. Ron Hubbard, claims to be the world's fastest-growing religion, with millions of members around the world and huge financial holdings. Its celebrity believers keep its profile high, and its teams of "volunteer ministers" offer aid at disaster sites such as Haiti and the World Trade Center. But Scientology is also a notably closed faith, harassing journalists and others through litigation and intimidation, even infiltrating the highest levels of government to further its goals.

Triumph: Life after the Cult - a Survivor's Lessons

The author of The New York Times bestseller Escape returns with a moving and inspirational tale of her life after she heroically fled the cult she’d been raised in, her hard-won new identity and happiness, and her determination to win justice for the crimes committed against her family.

Scientology: A to Xenu: An Insider's Guide to What Scientology Is All About

Former insider Chris Shelton grew up in Scientology and worked for it for 25 years. This critical analysis covers the key aspects of its beliefs, practices, and structure from the bottom to the top, including not just the confidential Xenu story but details of all of the upper-level scriptures. Chris goes into detail about what goes on inside Scientology churches, why its members get involved in the first place, and what it takes to get out should someone decide to leave.

The Las Vegas Madam: The Escorts, the Clients, the Truth

When a scandalous news story splashed across mainstream media about an elite escort agency in Las Vegas, people were shocked to learn there was a tiny mastermind behind the company: a small town girl from Oregon named Jami Rodman who went by the pseudonym Haley Heston.

Alone: Orphaned on the Ocean

A tanker steaming through the deep Northwest Providence Channel of the Bahamas comes across a shocking sight: a lone dinghy carrying Captain Julian Harvey and the body of a young girl. They are all that remain of the ketch Bluebelle, a handsome sixty-foot sailing yacht chartered by the Duperrault family of Green Bay, Wisconsin.

A Stolen Life: A Memoir

"In the summer of 1991 I was a normal kid. I did normal things. I had friends and a mother who loved me. I was just like you. Until the day my life was stolen. For eighteen years I was a prisoner. I was an object for someone to use and abuse. For eighteen years I was not allowed to speak my own name. I became a mother and was forced to be a sister. For eighteen years I survived an impossible situation. On August 26, 2009, I took my name back. My name is Jaycee Lee Dugard. I dont think of myself as a victim. I survived...."

The Kuřim Case: A Terrifying True Story of Child Abuse, Cults & Cannibalism

In May of 2007, in a small, quiet town in the South Moravia region of the Czech Republic, a technical glitch - a simple, accidental crossing of signals - revealed a terrible case of child abuse, and an entire nation watched transfixed with horror as the grisly extent of the perversion of the maternal instinct was revealed. Two small brothers named Jakub and Ondrej, nine and seven years old respectively, were revealed to have suffered confinement, mutilation, psychological brutality, and cannibalism at the hands of several people.

Jesus Land: A Memoir

Julia and her adopted brother, David, are sixteen-years-old. Julia is white. David is black. It is the mid-1980s and their family has just moved to rural Indiana, a landscape of cottonwood trees, trailer parks, and an all-encompassing racism. At home are a distant mother more involved with her church’s missionaries than her own children and a violent father.

Shattered Dreams: My Life as a Polygamist's Wife

Irene Spencer did as she felt God commanded in marrying her brother-in-law, Verlan LeBaron, becoming his second wife. When the government raided the fundamentalist, polygamous Mormon village of Short Creek, Arizona, Irene and her family fled to Verlan's brothers' Mexican ranch. They lived in squalor and desolate conditions in the Mexican desert with Verlan's six brothers, one sister, and numerous wives and children.

Fair Game: The Incredible Untold Story of Scientology in Australia

From Rugby League players trying to improve their game, to Hollywood superstars and the depressed sons of media moguls, Scientology has recruited its share of famous Australians. Less known is that Australia was the first place to ban Scientology, or that Scientology spies helped expose the Chelmsford Deep Sleep Scandal. Numerous Australians have held senior posts in the organisation, only to fall foul of the top brass and lose their families as a result.

My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth

In My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth, Wendy shares a glimpse of North Korea as it's never been seen before. Even though it's the scariest place on Earth, somehow Wendy forgot to check her sense of humor at the border. But Wendy's initial amusement and bewilderment soon turned to frustration and growing paranoia.

Publisher's Summary

Audie Award Finalist, Non-Fiction, 2014

Jenna Miscavige Hill, niece of Church of Scientology leader David Miscavige, was raised as a Scientologist but left the controversial religion in 2005. In Beyond Belief, she shares her true story of life inside the upper ranks of the sect, details her experiences as a member Sea Org - the church's highest ministry - speaks of her "disconnection" from family outside of the organization, and tells the story of her ultimate escape.

In this tell-all memoir, Jenna Miscavige Hill, a prominent critic of Scientology who now helps others leave the organization, offers an insider's profile of the beliefs, rituals, and secrets of the religion that has captured the fascination of millions, including some of Hollywood's brightest stars such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta.

We are all familiar with Scientology in general terms as a weird, sinister quasi religion/cult. However the depressing and shocking detail offered by this book brings home the reality of the horror to a new level. What makes the story even stranger is that the author is the niece of the current leader of the "church" and a distant relative of the Sci Fi scam artist L Ron Hubbard who created this fake “religion.”

Her story starts at a very young age with her account of life in the concentration camp like setting of a Church communal compound in California. I have read stories of the lives or orphans raised by Priests in Ireland and if you thought that kind of abuse was a thing of the past this story will set you straight. The author becomes a member of the Sea Org the quasi priesthood of the organization. Even though she is effectively a member of the Scientology elite inner sanctum the persecution, abuse and maltreatment continues well into her adult years....indeed until she flees the "Church."

Her accounts are quite as disturbing as anything you may have read about the excesses of communism, fascism or Cambodia under Pol Pot. The methods of though control and exploitation are straight out of the 1984 playbook. The fact that this kind of abuse and insanity is alive and well and happening right now in a town about an hour from where I live is doubly horrifying.

The author is obviously inexperienced and stylistically it’s a little clumsy somewhat in the vein of Anne Frank’s diary, but that doesn't get in the way of the reality she describes. This is disturbing, sad and compelling reading about a corrupt, abusive organization which currently enjoys tax exemption as a religion from the IRS.

I was hesitant to read this book because Scientology really messed up someone close to me. I didn't want to ready anything about this dangerous organization, but my instincts said to do it, and I'm glad I did!

I wanted to put this book down a few times because what happened to Ms. Hill, and others in the story, was beyond absurd and disturbing. It pissed me off because I knew I couldn't do anything about it. But then I couldn't put the book down because I wanted to witness her evolution and what it would take for her to break free.

The intelligence, courage and strength Ms. Hill showed in the end was incredibly inspiring. I am certain this book will help many who have experienced pain, suffering and damage from Scientology. Hopefully it will educate others so that they don't find themselves prey to this organizations and others like it.

Harrowing chronicle of modern day control freakism and violation of child labor laws that would make Upton Sinclair blush in rage.

We've all met someone to whom the label "control freak" applies, but thank God that most of us have never come into contact with someone who's control freakishness extends to the writing of reams of rules to cover every waking moment of a person's life from the cradle to the grave, not to mention the perversity of a mind twisted from birth by those same mind-numbing, soul-sapping trivialities that then becomes one of the wardens or trustees, replacing those who move on up to the higher echelons of privilege.

Tellingly, I've never heard of one of these types of hellish utopias that doesnt enrich the few at the top with the spoils of backbreaking labor by those at the bottom. The riches derived in this manner are truly obscene, extending to the creation of world-wide properties and monies. It's "beyond belief" the types of social systems that can be constructed and maintained by self-isolating groups in these USA. I've thus far avoided reading about those Warren-Jeffs types of polygamous groups, but after hearing what was dreamed up and put into practice by "LRH" and his minions, I assume those polygamists can't be much worse, so I plan to audioread about them next.

Perverse. Abusive. Nightmarish. These are the words that come to mind while listening to this brave woman's tale of self-discovery in captivity and the strength of spirit with which she freed herself and her loved ones.

Ripped away from family that was brainwashed into thinking that the scientology "ranch" was like a boarding school rather than the worst orphanages portrayed in "Jane Eyre".Almost 20 years of scientology brainwashing, taught to be afraid of anyone outside of the cult to insure seperation, forbidden to use internet, watch tv or movies, sounds more like a North Korean dictatorship than existing in California & Florida less than 10 years ago. It almost broke Jenna Hill but she is stronger than all that and is now helping others who escaped.

I've heard people talk about Scientology. I remember seeing ads on television for "Dianetics by L Ron Hubbard." I never knew quite what it was, but they sure did advertise a lot. (As I recall the book moved toward the screen bursting from flames.)

Based on the name and the fact that L Ron Hubbard was a science fiction writer. I assumed that the people involved would be techie types, smart and educated, into cutting edge technology. Wow! Was I wrong!

The author tells her story, and what a story it is. She is a third-generation Scientologist. I had no idea it had been around that long. She basically grew up alone since she was separated from her parents at an early age. Making this even more interesting is the fact that her parents were high-ranking people in the organization, and her uncle became the head of it when LRH died. With those credentials, you would think she would have lived the good life. No so.

Describing day-to-day operations, I got the impression of people being almost automatons. They were constantly being watched by each other. Every imperfection and indiscretion was reported. It also made me curious so I Googled "Scientology uniforms" so see what they wore. This just enhanced the vision of brainwashed uniformed minions like those in a bad science fiction movie.

While the actual people who do the work are treated poorly, the celebrity members are treated very well. My daughter commented that she read some celebrities stay because the organization has a lot of personal info on them that was gathered during their auditing sessions.

I think the thing that struck me the most was the lack of education. The current head, David Miscavige, dropped out of school at age 16. The author's parents were also drop-outs. Most startling was at one point, the author had an opportunity to leave, and the reason she stayed was because she knew that she would not be able to fit into public school with her lack of education. Her only knowledge was the teachings of LRH.

This was a very interesting inside look at a non-mainstream religion that I knew almost nothing about.

As a student in Boston during the late 80's.I was constantly approached on the street by these scientologists and once entered their "church". on Newbury street. They have expensive real estate which psycologically gives themselves credibility to the young people they target. And they do aggresively target them. Every year hundreds of thousands of new minds enter the city and they are waiting. This book is a highly detailed account into the inner workings of this cult. It gives great insight into mind control and manipulation. While most of us will never be threatend or affected by such an extreme organization one can learn from the writers experience on how to avoid being manipulated or controlled by any organazation. The narrator captured the authors transition from mind robbed child to angry adult, flawlessly.

This is an excellent book! It doesn't exactly weave a tale like some biographies might, and the way fiction books do, but I was totally sucked in and wanted to keep listening... Perhaps it is because it was written by Jenna Miscavige herself and it's true.

I imagine few of us would have a solid understanding of Scientology, but the truth is almost unbelievable.

This book is the story of a child born into Scientology. She had no freedom to even think for herself. I am so glad she got out alive. David Miscavige's wife has been missing for years and no one is looking for her. Why? Scientology is classified at or near the top of harmful cults. They take all your money, Noting is free with them. They charge for the "help", which is really brainwashing. If you have no money they put you in the sea org. to work as a slave. People who speak out against them are in danger of being sued and followed foryears. They have a history of being a mind control cult. They force secrets out of you to use as blackmail if you try to escape. Please also read. "A Peace of Blue Sky." by Atack. I is not an audio book yet but I hope audible will consider it. A Peace of Blue Sky is available at amazon as a kindle e-book.

The abuse from this "religion" started from the beginning with Ron L. Hubbard. Some think is is only the current leadership. It is much deeper than that.

By the way. I am not a Scientologist and have never visited any of their "churches"I am just a mom, nurse and concerned citizen who is trying to educate myselfabout abuses going on in our country. We should demand the Scientology be held accountable for the evil it is brought on innocent people.

thank you for speaking out and telling the truth about what goes on in the Sea Org and Scientology. thank God I was only there for a while when I became pregnant and I realized I did not want my child growing up in that atmosphere. And I think God everyday for a strong backbone and the difference of knowing right from wrong and leaving when I did. I told my husband I was leaving with or without him he would have to make up his mind. my husband thank God didn't take much convincing for him to leave although he was in Scientology for a lot longer than I was. I was passed out while I was there, I was told that I could be made to disappear, and I was told that I would have to raise my child by myself because my husband wasn't coming with me. As I said they were wrong he did and we've been happy ever since. but it's been a long time coming and I'm really happy that somebody is telling this story. Thank you so much for your bravery and your commitment to getting the truth out there.

An engaging insight as to how someone, born into a belief system, struggled with what was dissonant between the faith and the realities she observed.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Jamie

Nottingham, United Kingdom

12/8/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Enjoyable insight into the closest ranks"

Would you listen to Beyond Belief again? Why?

There's a lot of info to take in initially but it was a fascinating story

What did you like best about this story?

Get to see behind the curtain of the highest ranks and family of the leadership of the 'church' and how twisted and manipulative it is.

Which character – as performed by Sandy Rustin – was your favourite?

Lead character

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Impossible to listen to in 1 go ... too much to take in ... but i found it easy to pickup and put down again

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

S Leeves

England

4/10/15

Overall

"Repetitive.."

I enjoyed the book at first, fascinating subject but I found it a bit too long. Jenna had a horrible childhood and so do many other children of scientology shockingly so. There was a lot of repetition about sessions ect.. had to skip a few of the last chapters because they were the same things over and over! The narration was superb though and it got me through the ironing nicely.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Countess_Dracul

UK

4/2/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"The most riveting book I've listened to in ages!"

An absolutely riveting book, and mind boggled that this actually happened to someone. The idea that no one stepped in to help is as shocking as what the "church" actually did.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Minna

10/15/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Worth the listen"

The narrator does a fair job narrating the book, but can at times come of sounding a bit childish.The story is mostly compelling, but still left me a bit disappointed, i dont know what i expected (probably more of an exposé) but the story is perhaps so centret around the "me" that the bigger picture gets neglected.Despite this complaint, its worth a listen for everyone interested, perplexed, intrigued by the harrowing scientology.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Emma Jones

Brighton

10/3/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Interesting but annoying"

Jenna Miscavige is uniquely placed to give an insight into the controversial and poorly understood world of Scientology and from reading this book my understanding increased hugely. I listened to the whole thing and did enjoy it overall.

However, I am not sure how much was related to the narration and how much was from the underlying writing but the tone could become quite annoying. I felt like parts of it were her saying 'well I was just too pretty and too kind and everyone was so mean to me.' Of course this is an exaggeration and no doubt what she went through was far from a normal childhood but I do think the book could have benefitted from a bit of a wider perspective and less of a focus on little incidents that happened to her that are read in a tone of shock at how anyone could treat her like that. I think it actually detracts from the unusualness of what happens as she often comes across as any child would taking about the 'terrible' things their teachers or brothers and sisters did to them.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Scientology but just be aware that it is, as I'm sure it was intended to be, very much a personal tale of what she went through rather than a well researched and written work on Scientology.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Matthew

London, United Kingdom

12/16/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"The Emperors new clothes"

What made the experience of listening to Beyond Belief the most enjoyable?

The honesty.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Beyond Belief?

All of it!

Any additional comments?

It is a worry that the US government gives such an organisation religious status.

Surely they are perpetuating the myth and causing more suffering. Religion is simply a way to numb the brain for the pain which follows.

You can apply pretty much all of the principles of what happened to this young girl/lady to all religions, but obviously at different levels.

Religion is abuse. This is just one lens into one of the most abusive.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Laura

Newbridge, Ireland

12/30/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Incredible insight into life as a young scientolog"

Would you listen to Beyond Belief again? Why?

No. I never listen to books a second time.

What other book might you compare Beyond Belief to, and why?

None and feel no need to explain myself

Which character – as performed by Sandy Rustin – was your favourite?

Ridiculous question - did you listen to the book ?

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Many

Any additional comments?

Yes, as I was saying this book provides an excellent insight into the life of a young child growing up in the Church of Scientology. I was with the author all the way as the story is told in the first person right up to the last couple of chapters when her own credibility in her own words began to wane. Things like "I had to tell him the truth otherwise I would be deceiving him". This was given as the rationale for lying to someone else in the next breath. It all added up to the tagline "...and my harrowing escape.." being a large stretch when in actuality it would appear she stayed of her own volition (by her own words) because she was comfortable, everything was provided for her and the world out there was scary (even if her own parents were out there waiting for her). Several statements after that did not add up to a cohesive picture. "Had to sign a statement saying I would not publish" despite being out of the church with no apparent pressure on her, then published. Clearly she did not have to sign that statement as she stated at the time she had no intention of abiding by it. A few things like that went to the core of the author's credibility. Despite these this is a fascinating and interesting insight into the appalling practices of the so-called Church, the wrath that they visit on their own people, the sheer fairy stories they tell, the intimidation and car following and overall an excellent listen from Audible.

2 of 8 people found this review helpful

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